Cognitive Function News and Research

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Cognition is a concept used in different ways by different disciplines, but is generally accepted to mean the process of thought. For example, in psychology and cognitive science it refers to an information processing view of an individual's psychological functions.

Accumulation of plaques in brain may serve as powerful biomarker for early detection of cognitive decline

The trajectory of amyloid plaque buildup-clumps of abnormal proteins in the brain linked to Alzheimer's disease-may serve as a more powerful biomarker for early detection of cognitive decline rather than using the total amount to gauge risk, researchers from Penn Medicine's Department of Radiology suggest in a new study published online July 15 in Neurobiology of Aging.

16 Jul 2013

Scientists create a virtual model of brain that daydreams like humans do

Scientists have created a virtual model of the brain that daydreams like humans do. Researchers created the computer model based on the dynamics of brain cells and the many connections those cells make with their neighbors and with cells in other brain regions.

12 Jul 2013

Smoking and heavier alcohol consumption speed up cognitive decline

The combination of smoking and heavy drinking speeds up cognitive decline, according to new research published in the British Journal of Psychiatry.

11 Jul 2013

FDA-approved formoterol drug improves cognitive function in mouse model of Down syndrome

An existing FDA-approved drug improves cognitive function in a mouse model of Down syndrome, according to a new study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

3 Jul 2013

Targeted mental workouts can sharpen memory, improve cognitive function in schizophrenia

Much like physical exercise can re-chisel the body, researchers hope targeted mental workouts can sharpen the memory, focus and function of adults with schizophrenia.

20 Jun 2013

Obesity in adolescents is associated with sensorineural hearing loss

Obese adolescents are more likely than their normal-weight counterparts to have hearing loss, according to results of a new study. Findings showed that obese adolescents had increased hearing loss across all frequencies and were almost twice as likely to have unilateral (one-sided) low-frequency hearing loss.

18 Jun 2013

Research: Deep brain stimulation is associated with weight loss trend in morbidly obese patients

The first use of deep brain stimulation to the brain's so-called "feeding center" - the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) - was associated with a weight loss trend in morbidly obese patients whose stimulation was tuned to increase metabolism with novel guidance from metabolic chamber data, according to a pilot study presented at the International Neuromodulation Society's 11th World Congress by Dr. Michael Oh of the Department of Neurosurgery at the Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa.

14 Jun 2013

TAU researcher develops peptide to protect and restore microtubule function

A structure called "the microtubule network" is a crucial part of our nervous system. It acts as a transportation system within nerve cells, carrying essential proteins and enabling cell-to-cell communications. But in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, ALS, and Parkinson's, this network breaks down, hindering motor abilities and cognitive function.

14 Jun 2013

Diabetes may increase risk for developing Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia

A study of older adults with diabetes mellitus (DM) suggests a bidirectional association between hypoglycemic (low blood glucose) events and dementia, according to a report published Online First by JAMA Internal Medicine, a JAMA Network publication.

12 Jun 2013

Oceans Omega produces omega-3 fortified gelatins in partnership with Lakeview Farms

Oceans Omega, a leading supplier of water-soluble omega-3 EPA and DHA ingredients for food, beverage, nutritional and pet care products, announced today the world's first commercially produced omega-3 fortified gelatins.

11 Jun 2013

Early intervention needed to reduce lifelong consequences in neglected or abused children

Preschool children who have been neglected or emotionally abused exhibit a range of emotional and behavioral difficulties and adverse mother-child interactions that indicate these children require prompt evaluation and interventions, according to a systematic review by Aideen Mary Naughton, M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O., D.C.H., F.R.C.P.C.H., of Public Health Wales, Pontypool, England, and colleagues.

11 Jun 2013

Study reveals how type 2 diabetes and CVD increase risk of cognitive decline

People suffering from type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease are at an increased risk of cognitive decline, according to a new study from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

5 Jun 2013

People with type 2 diabetics, hypertension more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea: Study

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is advising anyone with Type 2 diabetes or hypertension to be evaluated for sleep apnea by a board-certified sleep medicine physician. The recommendation comes as the group of international clinicians and researchers meets in Baltimore for SLEEP 2013, the foremost gathering of sleep experts annually.

4 Jun 2013

Glioblastoma patients treated with bevacizumab have deterioration in neurocognitive function

Many glioblastoma patients treated with bevacizumab (Avastin-) have significant deterioration in neurocognitive function, symptoms and quality of life. Not only that, the changes often predict treatment outcomes, according to new research from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

1 Jun 2013

Extremely low doses of THC protect the brain from long-term cognitive damage

Though marijuana is a well-known recreational drug, extensive scientific research has been conducted on the therapeutic properties of marijuana in the last decade. Medical cannabis is often used by sufferers of chronic ailments, including cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder, to combat pain, insomnia, lack of appetite, and other symptoms.

31 May 2013

Environmental enrichment therapy improves behaviors of children with autism

Children with autism showed significant improvement after six months of simple sensory exercises at home using everyday items such as scents, spoons and sponges, according to UC Irvine neurobiologists.

22 May 2013

Disruption of brain developmental processes caused by premature birth can affect cognitive function

Researchers from King's College London have for the first time used a novel form of MRI to identify crucial developmental processes in the brain that are vulnerable to the effects of premature birth.

21 May 2013

Study provides new evidence that genetic risk for schizophrenia associated with lower IQ

The relationship between the heritable risk for schizophrenia and low intelligence has not been clear. Schizophrenia is commonly associated with cognitive impairments that may cause functional disability. There are clues that reduced IQ may be linked to the risk for developing schizophrenia.

17 May 2013

TBI in older adults presents special diagnostic, management and treatment challenges

Each year more than 1.7 million people in the United States sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The incidence of TBI in older adults poses special diagnostic, management and treatment challenges, say experts in a special collection of papers on TBI in the elderly in NeuroRehabilitation: An Interdisciplinary Journal.

7 May 2013

Receiving general anesthesia not associated with dementia in elderly patients, research finds

Elderly patients who receive anesthesia are no more likely to develop long-term dementia or Alzheimer's disease than other seniors, according to new Mayo Clinic research.

2 May 2013